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  Behaviors That May Reduce Your Chances of a Stroke

  You’re waking up from a great night out with family or friends.  Food, drinks, dancing, and most importantly, laughter were the menu of the evening.  You stretch as you rise and think to yourself, “didn’t Bill tell some funny stories at the dinner table…” Suddenly, things get a little fuzzy, wobbly, out of focus.  Your head is pounding.  You reach out for the wall to steady yourself, but your legs feel weak, your face numb and tingly.  You want to call out for help, but the words won’t come.  Panic sets in, and the harder you try, the more difficult the simplest tasks become.     Just then, someone nearby hears a noise and comes to check and see if you are feeling the after-effects of all that dancing when they see you and know something is terribly wrong…   If you’re lucky, you won’t be one of the nearly 800,000 people in the United States that suffers a stroke every year.  You won’t be one of those that has a stroke in the U.S. about every 40 seconds.  If you did experience one, ...
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  How Cholesterol Affects Your Vascular Health

  If you’re monitoring your vascular health, you’ve probably been told to keep a watch on your cholesterol. This sticky villain is a known health risk, responsible for clogged arteries, heart attacks, strokes, and a variety of other life-threatening problems. But cholesterol is a natural substance that has both good and bad qualities - when it’s consumed appropriately. So how did this once-beneficial substance turn into the big bad wolf of vascular health? Let’s get back to the basics. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is an organic substance found in the walls of every human cell. It’s necessary for the production of hormones, Vitamin D, and substances that aid in proper digestion. Your body produces all the cholesterol it needs, but cholesterol can also be found in foods that come from other animals such as eggs, milk, meat, and cheese. As these are common staples in every human diet, many people consume much more cholesterol than their body needs. When your doctor runs a cholesterol test, they’re looking at two main types of cholesterol: High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Also known as “good cholesterol”, HDLs act ...
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  Resolutions for a Healthier You and Your Vascular Health

  Welcome to 2024, a New Year filled with opportunities for growth, self-improvement, and most importantly, better health! As we embark on this journey of renewal and transformation, it's crucial to prioritize not only our overall well-being but also the health of our vascular system. At Vascular Associates of South Alabama, we believe that adopting resolutions focused on vascular health can lead to significant improvements in your quality of life. Let's explore some resolutions to help you embrace the New Year and become the best version of yourself. 1. Prioritize Regular Exercise Incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine is one of the most effective ways to maintain optimal vascular health. Whether it's brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Exercise improves circulation, strengthens blood vessels, and helps control weight, reducing the risk of vascular diseases such as peripheral artery disease and deep vein thrombosis. 2. Adopt a Healthy Diet Fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods that promote heart and vascular health. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean ...
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  What to Expect During Your Initial Vascular Appointment

  What to Expect During Your Initial Vascular Appointment Vascular health is integral to overall health, as it affects blood flow and the functioning of vital organs. Here are a few symptoms and conditions that might prompt you to book a vascular appointment: Leg Pain or Cramping Swelling in the Legs Non-Healing Wounds Cold or Numb Feet/Toes Varicose Veins Family History of Vascular Disease If you're currently under the care of specialists for conditions like diabetes or heart disease, incorporating a vascular practice into your healthcare routine can be a crucial step towards comprehensive well-being.  What to Expect at Your First Vascular Appointment At Vascular Associates of South Alabama, we make it easy for you to get the vascular care you need without the hassle of waiting for a referral or a long appointment wait time. In most cases, you can secure a same-day appointment. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect during your first visit. Step 1: Preparing for Your Appointment First, you’ll need to fill out a new patient packet. This packet can be downloaded and printed from our website, or you can choose to complete it at our ...
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  6 Ways to Prevent A Stroke

    Strokes can be extremely scary. According to the CDC, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke every year. Family history, previous strokes and health factors all contribute to your risk of stroke. While you can’t change your family, there are ways you can lower your future risk and prevent a stroke from happening. Here are 6 ways that can help prevent a stroke: Lower Your Blood Pressure High blood pressure is the number one cause of strokes, responsible for over 50%. Having high blood pressure makes you 4-6 times more likely to have a stroke. That’s because it increases your risk of blood clots, which can cut off blood flow to your brain. Ideal blood pressure is under 120/80, but if yours is regularly higher than 140/90 then you may have high blood pressure. Work with your doctor on keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range. Medications and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are common treatments for high blood pressure. Maintain A Healthy Weight A healthy weight prevents so many health issues, and strokes are no exception. ...
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  How PAD Affects More Than Just Your Legs

  Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is often thought of as a condition that only impacts circulation in the legs. While leg pain and cramping are common symptoms, PAD is actually a serious vascular disease that can affect your entire body. Understanding the full scope of PAD is important for recognizing its risks, protecting your health, and taking steps toward proper treatment. What Is PAD? PAD develops when arteries become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of fatty deposits, also known as plaque. This restricts blood flow, most noticeably to the legs and feet. People often notice pain when walking, numbness, or wounds on the feet that are slow to heal. However, because PAD is caused by the same underlying process that leads to heart disease and stroke, its effects reach far beyond the lower extremities. PAD and the Heart The presence of PAD is a strong indicator of cardiovascular disease. In fact, patients with PAD are more likely to experience heart attacks than those without the condition. The restricted blood flow caused by arterial plaque is not limited to the legs. The same ...